31 Dec 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Wilmington Dispatch
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1917
Page
1
Officials report a 1916 gross receipts figure near $41.8 million with net income around $1.74 million after rising operating costs. War tax changes start January and wage pressures trigger arbitration talks led by County Fuel Administrator Regve Schley. Coal shortages threaten apartment blocks and downtown offices may shut heating plants if supplies fail.
Reports from Pekin dated December 31 describe ongoing hostilities in Eastern Siberia. Fighting rages around Irkutsk and along the Trans-Siberian railway as Bolsheviki reinforcements arrive and Cossacks resist Red Guards near Petrograd lines.
Reports from major cities describe an intense cold wave with subzero readings and heavy snow. In New York City at 6 am temperatures stood at seven degrees, locals fear widespread frostbite and fuel shortages will worsen as the cold persists.
Chaos on the Western Front with heavy fighting near the Sercheon salient. German and Austrian troops launch raids in Ypres and Vercing while British counter attacks reclaim some positions. Berlin reports captures of two positions and prisoners as German offensive efforts in multiple sectors continue amid Brest-Litovsk peace talks.
Washington reports four earthquakes hit Guatemala City from Christmas night to December 29 causing heavy damage and leaving 100000 homeless. American officials plan to send relief via warships with Red Cross and navy coordination as ministers and consuls assess losses and safety.
A call for strict enforcement of labor laws aims to safeguard life and health amid wartime strain. The appeal links worker protections to national well being, urging authorities to curb abuse and support families while sustaining production and economic stability.
Washington summary by House clerk South Trimble shows total 435 members with 211 Democrats 209 Republicans and 6 independents. There are 9 vacancies due to resignations of Sitagerald Griffin and Bruckner of New York and amson of Georgia deaths Bathbrick of Ohio and Martin of Illinois and absences for army service Johnson South Dakota LaGuardia New York and Heintz Ohio.
Washington reports at the Department of Commerce that exports in 1917 surpassed 6 billion dollars, a new high. Imports lagged at under 3 billion, yielding a trade balance likely above 3.15 billion dollars in favor of the United States.
London dispatch reports Petrograd correspondent of the Daily News says the Bolsheviki government is efficient, orderly, and decisive amid opposition. He notes the Constituent Assembly may meet soon and that German terms at Brest-Litovsk were aimed at confounding the Allies.
New York welcomes the new year with wartime moderations. Hotels and restaurants host similar crowds as in peace times, but menus lack items not approved by the Food Administrator. High wine prices and late closing orders shape New Year toasts amid larger urged celebrations for soldiers and sailors.
An American aviator was killed in Paris during a test flight at an aviation center before French and American pilots and observers. He completed a loop but failed on a second attempt in violent winds. Dying, he wished his American comrades farewell and shared his final observations.
Washington reports a forecast of some moderation in the cold wave beginning tonight across the region from the Ohio Valley to the coast. The current wave brings extreme lows including 40 below in Vermont and 34 above in Miami-Fort Lauderdale, with much of the East still below normal.
In Petrograd on Sunday December 30 the commission opposing a counter revolution raided the Union for the Defense of the Constituent Assembly. About a dozen arrests were reported.
Berlin reports French forces on the Northern Italian front advanced yesterday gaining ground in the Aus tro German line. French infantry penetrated portions of the enemy positions on Monta Tomba in the afternoon according to the German general staff.
London reports British forces counterattacked on the Cambrai front and recovered the key Welsh ridge positions lost the day before. The War Office confirmed renewed fighting restored strategic ground amid ongoing operations.
Property valued at fifty thousand dollars, left by the late Robert L. Johnson, will be managed by the Southern Methodist Church to aid boys at the Pulaski Boys School. The will was probated in Pulaski, Tenn, and the fund is designated for educational purposes.
Los Angeles capitalist J Stilson announced in San Francisco that he would be appointed diplomatic representative at Washington for Governor Esteban Cantu of Lower California. He hinted the move could foretell secession from Mexico and said he would meet a personal representative of authority to discuss the matter further.
Manchester dispatch notes Britain intends to issue a serious land reply when the Austro German peace terms are presented. Prime Minister Lloyd George will visit France to confer with Clemenceau on the subject. The terms echo the Russian no annexation or indemnities formula, outlined by Central Powers negotiators at Brest Litovsk.
Scranton Pa December 31 One man was killed and nine badly burned in an explosion at the Underwood mine of the Pennsylvania Coal Company near the city this afternoon. Early reports put the death at 17 but this was denied. The blast was caused by a miner entering a gas pocket with a naked light.
Washington reports the committee on Public Information announced revised regulations effective tomorrow. The changes withdraw all requests not to publish names of line officers or units in expeditionary forces and details revealing merchant crews or submarine information. Minor changes accompany the relaxation.
The war office announces counter measures against the French are in preparation in the Monte Tomba area as of December 31, reported from Vienna via London.
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